How To Fix Ingrown Toe Nails!
Severe or recurrent ingrown toenails can be treated with a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be performed by the Podiatrists at Scarborough Podiatry. This procedure is most commonly performed on the big toes, but can be done on any of the toes. The surgery involves numbing the toe with a local anaesthesia so that the procedure can be performed pain-free. A tourniquet is then applied to the toe for a short time while the intruding side of the nail is removed, along with its root. The root area is then cauterised with phenol so that this side of the nail does not grow back. There is no cutting of the skin or stitches involved in the surgery.
A wound is then present which takes approximately 4 weeks to heal completely and at this stage the skin fold closes up and the nail appears quite normal. During this time you must keep the wound clean and dressed. It is best to avoid swimming and sports until the wound is completely healed, but at the very least for 1-2 weeks after having the surgery. Very rarely do people have to take time off work after the surgery. Any pain that is present after the surgery can be managed with paracetamol. This procedure is a very effective permanent solution for ingrown toenails. This procedure is not normally performed the first time you see the Podiatrist, as they will first best advise you on all treatment options for your ingrown toenails. They will also determine your suitability for this procedure and discuss it in more detail with you at your first visit. Conservative treatment is almost always attempted first before considering the surgery, depending on the individual case.
Make an appointment to see the Podiatrists at Scarborough Podiatry today for more information on ingrown toenails and surgery or call us if you have any questions on options for ingrown toenail treatment.